Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2012
247. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health in view of the cut in the respite grant for 2013, his plans to tackle respite providers that are charging huge sums of money for respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55906/12]
View answerThe administration of the Respite Care Grant is a matter for the Department of Social Protection. The funding situation for the disability sector is not yet available pending the finalisation of the HSE's National Service Plan for 2013. Savings required globally from the Health Budget will have an impact on all services, including disability services, and these will be outlined later this month when the Minister for Health approves the National Service Plan. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the charges by respite providers in the health sector is more appropriate for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, the Department has asked the HSE to provide the details requested of such services it may be aware of, directly to the Deputy.
